Connecticut gunmaker says he's leaving state

A worker sights an AR-15 rifle during the final production assembly at the Stag Arms company in New Britain, Conn., Wednesday, April 10, 2013. A Connecticut gun-maker announced on Wednesday it intends to leave the state, just six days after passage of restrictive gun control legislation, while another manufacturer, Stag Arms, which employs about 230 workers, says its customers are urging it to "pick up and leave."

Published April 10. 2013 4:00PM | Updated April 10. 2013 4:37PM

Associated Press

BRISTOL, Conn. (AP) — A Connecticut gunmaker has announced it intends to leave the state following the passage of gun control legislation it says tramples on the rights of citizens and does not show enough consideration for the industry.

Bristol-based PTR says in a statement posted on its website that it has not decided where it will move, but it has commitments from most employees to relocate. The company makes military-style rifles and employs more than 40 people.

PTR Vice President John McNamara said Wednesday that it expects to make a more formal announcement about a move within six weeks.

Several Connecticut gun manufacturers have indicated they are thinking about moving after Gov. Dannel P. Malloy last week signed the law imposing new restrictions on weapons and large-capacity magazines.

Mark Malkowski, president of Stag Arms, poses as workers move a pallet of rifles for shipment at the Stag Arms company in New Britain, Conn., Wednesday, April 10, 2013. A Connecticut gun-maker announced on Wednesday it intends to leave the state, just six days after passage of restrictive gun control legislation, while another manufacturer, Stag Arms, which employs about 230 workers, says its customers are urging it to "pick up and leave."